AA first award CMB-AUH-JFK-SEA last segment obviously AA operated. Etihad said I cannot a was their lounge upon arrival. So I was thinking I’d go to a Flagship or AA place I could take a shower, but since Etihad isn’t in OW (though they are partners with AA) people have said I can’t access any AA lounges either. So I’m flying first class for over 25hrs and I’m not allowed into any lounge. If I had paid for this ticket I would not be a very happy camper right now.

If I had Sapphire Status can I get in? Does that change this scenario?